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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
RESEALABLE PACKAGE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/098985
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A resealable package includes a first edge and a fin seal. The first edge defines a boundary between two panels. The first edge may be removed to separate the two panels to access contents within the package. The fin seal extends across one of the two panels in a direction parallel to the first edge. The fin seal includes an adhesive region and a film that includes a removable portion located over at least a portion of the adhesive region. The fin seal is configured to allow resealing of the bag by coupling the adhesive region to one of the two panels.

Inventors:
KLIPSTINE KEITH (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2017/061437
Publication Date:
May 23, 2019
Filing Date:
November 14, 2017
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
BEMIS CO INC (US)
International Classes:
B65D33/00; B65D33/16; B65D33/18; B65D33/20
Foreign References:
US20110038569A12011-02-17
US5348400A1994-09-20
EP1792838A12007-06-06
US20130266243A12013-10-10
US20100209022A12010-08-19
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
DE COSTER, Amy, L. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A reseaiab!e package comprising:

a first edge defining a boundary between two panels, wherein the first edge may be removed to separate the two panels to access contents within the package; and

a fin seal extending across one of the two panels in a direction parallel to the first edge, the seal comprising an adhesive region;

wherein the fin seal comprises a film that includes a removable portion located over at least a portion of the adhesive region; and

wherein the fin seal is configured to allow resealing of the bag by coupling the adhesive region to one of the two panels.

2. The resealabie package of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive region includes a first adhesive region and a second non-adhesive region.

3. The resealabie package of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive region includes a first adhesive region separated from a second adhesive by a third region that does not indude an adhesive.

4. The resealabie package Of claim 2 Wherein toe removable portion is located over toe first adhesive region and the second non-adhesive region.

5. The resealabie package of daim 3, wherein the removable portion is located over one of toe first adhesive region and toe second adhesive region.

6. The resealabie package of dajm 1 , wherein the film composes an inner layer and an outer layer, and toe adhesive region is provided between the inner layer and the outer layer.

7. The resealab!e package of claim 6, further comprising a releasable material separating the adhesive region from the outer layer for facilitating removal of the removable portion from the adhesive region.

8. The resealabie package of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive region comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive.

9. The resealabie package of claim 1 , further comprising a score line configured to facilitate removal of the removable portion.

10. The resealabie package of claim of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a perforation near the first edge to facilitate opening of the package.

11. The resealabie package of any of the preceding claims, wherein the fin seal comprises a puli tab to facilitate removal of the removable portion,

12. The resealable package of any of toe preceding claims, wherein the package is a pillow pouch.

13. A resealabie package comprising:

a top panel;

a rear panel separated from the top pane! along a first fold line;

a bottom panel separated from toe rear panel along a second fold line; and

a seal contiguous with toe top panel and toe bottom panel, toe seal comprising:

a first layer; and

a second layer comprising:

an adhesive region;

a cover configured to be removably coupled to toe adhesive region such that toe adhesive region is overlapped by the cover when toe cover is coupled to toe adhesive region; and a first score line bisecting the second layer and configured to be parallel to the first fold line and to facilitate removal of the cover from the second layer by tearing the cover from the second layer along the first score line; wherein the adhesive region remains attached to the first layer upon removal of the cover.

14. The resealab!e package of claim 13, wherein the cover has a re!easabie material disposed thereon, the releasable material configured to interface with the adhesive region such that the adhesive region is maintained on the first layer and 1he releasable material is maintained on toe cover when the cover is removed from the second layer.

15. The resealabie package of claims 13 or 14, wherein the adhesive region comprises a first adhesive region and a second region that does not indude an adhesive.

16. The resealabie package of daims 13 or 14, wherein the top panel comprises a second score line configured to be parallel to the first score line and

positioned proximate me first fold line, me second score line indicating a line across which me reseaiable package may be opened.

17. A reseaiable package comprising :

a top portion;

a rear portion contiguous with the top portion along a top edge;

a bottom potion contiguous with the rear portion; and

a seal contiguous with me top portion and me bottom portion, me seal comprising:

an adhesive region;

a cover configured to be removably coupled to the adhesive region such mat me adhesive region is overlapped by me cover when the cover is coupled to the adhesive region; and

a score line disposed across the sea! parallel to the top edge and configured to facilitate removal of the cover from the seal by tearing me cover from the seal along me score line.

18. The reseaiable package of claim 17, wherein:

the cover is at least partially coated with a releasable material ; and the cover is removably coupled to the seal through an interaction between the releasable material and me adhesive region.

19. The reseaiable package of claims 17 or 18, wherein me seal comprises: a first panel partially overlapping the top portion; and

a second panel separated from me first panel by a fold line, the second panel extending from the seal such mat me second panel is rotatable relative to the first

20. The reseaiab!e package of claim 19, wherein the seal comprises a first adhesive region and a second non-adhesive region and me releasable cover overlaps the first adhesive region and me second non-adhesive region.

Description:
RESEALABLE PACKAGE

BACKGROUND

[0001] Hie present application relates generally to resealabfe packages. In particular, the present application relates to reseaiable packages that provide for relatively easy access to the contents contained within the package while allowing users to reseal the package to store the contents for later use without the use of zippers or other mechanical fastening structures or components.

[0002] Conventional reseaiable packages (bags, pouches, etc.) for storing items such as frozen foods or other items may incorporate mechanical fastening structures or mechanisms to allow tor resealing of toe bag. For example, one common approach is to incorporate a zipper mechanism (e.g., press-to-dose zippers, sliding zippers, etc.) that is disposed along adjacent inner surfaces of toe package. These zippers can indude members (e.g., a male portion and a female portion, etc.) that are caused to selectively mate along toe length of the zipper to close and seal the bag. Other packages may utilize different types of mechanical fastening structures such as snaps, buttons, dasps, or other similar dosure mechanisms.

[0003] Zippers and other mechanical fastening mechanishis may suffer from a number of undesirable issues. For example, in cases where toe fastening mechanisms are provided in regions that rhay be contacted by food or other contents within toe package (e.g., as when toe fastener is provided adjacent inner surfaces of toe bag), toe fastening structures may become touted during use of toe package when partides or fragments (e.g., crumbs, seeds, ice, frost, juice, etc.) of the products may become lodged within components of the fastening mechanisms, such as within toe female portion of a zipper mechanism. This in turn may make use of toe fastening mechanisms more cumbersome, and in some cases may prevent complete resealing of the package. [0004] Even if a zipper or other fastening mechanism is not foiled, the fastening mechanisms may unintentionally decouple during movement of the package, resulting in contents spilling out of the package. Furthermore, the fastening mechanism used by current packages may be difficult for a user to locate or be aware of due to the position thereof inside the package. As a result, the user may inadvertently cut or damage the fastening mechanisms when initially opening the package, thereby negatively impacting the functionality of the fastening mechanism.

[0005] Still further, zippers and other mechanical fastening mechanisms are relatively thick* compared to die surrounding packaging material, and limit a number of packages that can be produced from a roll of film used to make such packages. As a result, die product manufacturers may be required to frequently change between roils of packaging material, thereby decreasing production efficiency. Certain types of fastening mechanisms are also relatively costly and may require specialized machinery to apply them to die packaging material, which increases the cost associated with the packaging for die products.

[0006] It would be advantageous to provide ah improved package that may be resealed without die use of zippered or other similar types of mechanical fastening mechanisms, and which addresses the issues discussed above. These and other advantageous features will be apparent to those reviewing the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment, a resealable package includes a first edge and a fin seal. The first edge defines a boundary between two panels. The first edge may be removed to separate the two panels to access contents within die package. The fin seal extends across one of the two panels in a direction parallel to the first edge. The fin seal includes an adhesive region and a film that includes a

removable portion located over at least a portion of the adhesive region. The fin seal is configured to allow resealing of the bag by coupling the adhesive region to one of the two panels.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment, a resealable package includes a top panel, a rear panel, a bottom panel, and a seal. The rear panel is separated from the top panel along a first fold line. The bottom panel is separated from toe rear panel along a second fold line. The seal is contiguous with toe top panel and the bottom panel. The seal includes a first layer and a second layer. The second layer has an adhesive region, a cover and a first score line. The cover is configured to be removably coupled to the adhesive region such that die adhesive region is overlapped by the cover when the cover is coupled to toe adhesive region. The first score tine bisects the second layer. The first score line is configured to be parallel to toe first fold line and to facilitate removal of the cover from toe second layer by tearing toe cover from the second layer along toe first score line. The adhesive region remains on toe first layer upon removal of the cover.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment, a resealable package includes a top portion, a rear portion, a bottom portion, and a seal. The rear portion is

contiguous with toe top portion along a top edge. The bottom portion is contiguous with the rear portion. The seal is contiguous with the top portion and the bottom portion.

The seal includes an adhesive region, a cover, and a score line. The cover is

configured to be removably coupled to toe adhesive region such that toe adhesive region is overlapped by toe cover when toe cover is coupled to the adhesive region.

The score line is disposed across toe seal parallel to toe top edge and configured to facilitate removal of toe cover from the seal by tearing the cover from the seal along the score line.

[0010] It is to be understood that both toe foregoing general description and toe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 1s a front perspective view of a resea!able package filled with products and in an initial (i.e., unopened) state, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the resealable package shown in FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG.3 is a side perspective view of the resealable package shown in FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG.4 is a front view of an unfilled resealable package such as that shown in

FIG. 1, in an initial state, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0015] FIG.5 is a rear view of toe resealable package shown in FIG. 5;

[0010] FIG.6 is a cross-sectional view of the fin seal of the resealable package shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a resealable package such as that shown in FIG. 1, in an open state, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a resealable package such as that shown in FIG. 1, in a resealed state, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a resealable package such as that shown in FIG. Un a resealed state, according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for opening and resealing a resealable package such as those shown in FIGS. 1-9, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 11 is a front view of a resealable package in an initial state, according to another exemplary embodiment; [0022] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the resealabie package shown in FIG. 11 with a releasable cover partially removed;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fin seal of file resealabie package shown in FIG. 11 taken along line 13-13;

[0024] FIG. 14 is a flew diagram illustrating a process for assembling a resealabie package such as that shown in FIGS. 11-13, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 15 is a top view of a blank for assembling a resealabie package, such as the resealabie package shown in FIG. 11, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 16 is another top view of the blank for assembling a resealabie package shown in FIG. 15;

[0027] FIG. 17 is a top view of a tillable blank for assembling a resealabie package, such as file resealabie package shown in FIG. 11 , according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 18 is a front view of a resealabie package not filled with products and in an initial state, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0029] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the lap sea! of file resealabie package shown in FIG. 18 taken along line 19-19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Before turning to the accompanying drawing figures, which illustrate various non-exclusive exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in file

description or illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. [0031] According to the various exemptary embodiments as will be described below, an improved reseaiable package (e.g., a form-fil!-seai package, etc.) has been developed that uses an adhesive (rather than a zipper or other mechanical structures) to dose the reseaiable package. The reseaiable package may be formed from one or more than one sheets of material that are joined together to define an interior cavity or volume in which products such as food or other contents may be stored. As will be apparent from the following description, various portions of tee package may be referred to herein as“panels" or“walls,” although such panels ex’ walls may be part of a unitary sheet of material, which may indude one or more layers.

[0032] Before tee reseaiable package has been opened for tee first time, a portion (e.g, a top portion, although it may be any portion of the package according to other embodiments) of tee package may be removed or partially removed by cutting (e.g., using scissors, etc.) or tom along a score line approximate the top edge to open the reseaiable package so as to allow a user to remove all or a portion of the contents from within the reseaiable package. The reseaiable package may then be resealed in order to contain (e.g,, store, enclose, etc.) any remaining contents. The reseaiable package selectively utilizes adhesive (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs), fugitive glue, peelabie adhesives, etc.) to reseai tee package. According to an exemplary

embodiment, the adhesive is positioned between two layers within a seal structure or member (which, for ease of reference, will be referred to herein simply as a seal). The seal may be, for example, a fin seal, a lap seal, a butt-seal (e.g., butt-seal tape, etc.), a seal strip, or other similar seal having any of a variety of configurations teat are now known or teat may be developed in tee future. The seal is incorporated as part of an exterior portion of the package. The adhesive may be provided in a patterned configuration such that the seal indudes one or more discontinuous regions of adhesive, as opposed to a single continuous strip of adhesive, and may be placed along the fin seal or lap seal. The adhesive may be positioned over one of the top panels such as in a lap seal, or may be positioned cm a panel extending from one of tee top panels such as in a fin seal. Advantageously, the discontinuity or patterning of the adhesive may allow file package to indude one or more portions that are not secured by an adhesive to allow a user to more easily reopen the package, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0033] A top layer of the fin seal or lap seal indudes a releasable cover or material that may be removed (e.g., tom away, etc.) to expose the adhesive. The releasable cover may be separated from the rest of the top layer by a score line. The score line can extend across the top layer, from one side of the top layer to the other side, and can be parallel to a top edge or told line of the top layer. The releasable cover may be held onto the fin seal or lap seal by one or a combination of the adhesive, a bonding adhesive, heat and or pressure used to bond the top layer to any subsequent layer.

The releasable cover indudes a release material (e.g., release lacquer, release coating, release agent, non-silicone release coating, aqueous release coating, organic release coating, etc.) that allows the removal of the releasable cover from the adhesive or any subsequent layer. The releasable cover may be disposed of (e.g., thrown away, etc.) after it has been removed from file package.

[0034] Once the releasable cover is removed and the adhesive is exposed, a user may fold (e.g., bend, roil, etc.) the top of file package toward the fin seal or lap seal such that one of the panels of the package contacts the adhesive and then the user may press the top of the package onto file adhesive or vice versa. This contact is configured to retain file top of the package relative to file fin seal or lap seal. In this way, the adhesive is configured to keep the top of the package folded to prevent, or substantially prevent, the spilling of the contents when the package is stored or moved. The fin seal or lap seal may be aligned with a top edge of the package such that the top of the package is held by the adhesive along the width of the package.

[0035] Once file package has been resealed, products may be removed from the package by unfolding (e.g., unrolling, etc.) the top of file package. To unfold file top of the package, the fin seal or lap seal has to first be separated from the top of the package, such that file adhesive is no longer attached thereto. For example, a user may grasp the fin seal or lap seal and grasp the top of the package and then pull the top of the package from the fin seal or lap seal, thereby detaching the adhesive therefrom. The fin seal or lap seal includes a finger hold that does not have the adhesive such that the user may grasp file finger hold without grasping the adhesive. The finger hold may be positioned in the center of the fin seal or lap seal. Hie user may then unfold file top of the package and remove the desired products from within the package.

[0036] The adhesive is less prone to fouling than zippers employed by current bags because the adhesive is positioned along an external surface of the resea!able package. Fragments of products are less likely to come into contact with the adhesive than the zippers of current bags which are in consistent contact with products due to the position of file zippers along inner surfaces of the bags, in contrast to the zippers of current bags, fire location of the fin seal or lap seal allows a user to easily locate the adhesive for use in resealing the resealable package.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment, the package is assembled from a blank that is folded into several panels or walls that are variously joined. The blank is formed from a sheet of a first layer and a sheet of a second layer joined with the sheet of the first layer Before the sheet of the first layer is joined with the sheet of the second layer, the release material is applied to the sheet of the second layer, the adhesive is printed onto the release material of the second layer, and the releasable cover is formed in the sheet of the second layer by a score line.

[0038] Before or after the sheet of the first layer is joined with the sheet of the second layer, score lines may be formed in the blank for indicating to a user where to cut or tear the package to initially open the package. The blank is then folded along fold lines, edges of the blank are joined with each other, and products are inserted into the blank such as through a form-fill-seal process. Finally, remaining edges on the blank are joined with each other such that the package is formed containing products therein.

[0039] The blanks are defined by a maximum thickness that includes the first and second layers and any other layers in between. The blanks may be sold to a product packager in a roll having a standardized diameter for a product filling or packaging machine, such as a form-fill-seal machine. Accordingly, the maximum thickness of the blanks is directly related to a number of the blanks that can be included in the roll. A roll of blanks that includes zippers or mechanical fasteners is defined by a maximum thickness that includes the zipper or mechanical fastener. As a result, rolls of blanks used to produce the package described herein may contain many more blanks than rolls of current bags having toe same diameter due to the elimination of toe zipper or mechanical fastener. Through the use of rolls of the blanks used to produce the package described herein, product producers are able to attain greater efficiencies and decreased costs than through the use of rolls of current bags which are depleted more quickly due to the thickness of the zippers. Additionally, a roll of blanks that includes zippers or mechanical fasteners centrally located in toe width of the blank tends to produce rolls that are soft in the radial direction at each end of the roll where the zipper or mechanical fastener is not present. This roll softness also negatively affects the speed that toe roll can be run at that is avoided with rolls of blanks of toe present disclosure.

[0040] As mentioned previously, zippers used in current bags are relatively expensive, require specialized machinery to apply to the bags, and represent a large percentage of the total cost of each bag. One additional advantageous feature of eliminating the zipper is that toe package may be produced at a lower cost than current

[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, a resealabie package (e.g., bag, resealable bag, freezer bag, etc.), shown as a package 100, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Although package 100 is illustrated as a bottom gusseted package, it should be understood by those reviewing the present disclosure that the package 100 may not include a gusset. It should be understood that other types of packages may employ similar concepts, including, for example, a horizontai-form-fill-seai package, a vertical form-fiil-seal package, a lap-seal package, a fin-seal package, a pouch, a stand- up pouch, a pillow pouch, a forming/non-forming package, a pillow bag, or any other similar package according various exemplary embodiments. According to one particular exemplary embodiment, the package 100 may be used for storing ex transporting any of a variety of different contents, such as food products (e.g., frozen goods, non-frozen goods, frozen fruits, frozen vegetables, frozen foods, refrigerated foods, chips, pretzels, etc.) or other goods. The package 100 may be constructed from at least one layer of a polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene (PE) and/or polyethylene terephthaiate (PET) (e.g., biaxialiy-oriented PET, oriented PET (OPET), etc.)).

[0042] The package 100 may be used in an initial state (e.g. , an unopened state before the package 100 has been opened, etc.) where the contents are sealed within the package 100 (e.g„ in an airtight fashion, in a leak tight fashion, etc.), an open state where the contents may be removed from the package 100, and a resealed state where the contents are contained within the package 100. in the resealed state, foe package 100 may substantially prevent the contents from being removed from the package 100.

[0043] In an example embodiment, the package 100 is constructed from a single piece of material (e.g., laminate, plastic, etc.). To form foe package 100, various portions of the package 100 are joined (e.g., bonded, affixed, coupled, fused, melted, ultrasonically joined, etc.) together and various portions of foe package 100 are folded (e.g., crimped, bent, deformed, etc.). In other embodiments, foe package 100 may be formed from multiple (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) sheets of material variously joined and folded to form the package 100 as described herein. Similarly, while certain portions of the package 100 are described herein as being joined, it is understood that these portions may instead be folded, and while certain portions of the package 100 are described herein as being folded, it is understood that these portions may instead be Joined, it should be understood that while various potions of the package may be referred to as“panels,”“wails,” or the like, the package may be constructed from a singie sheet or from more than one sheet of material, and the terms“panels” and“walls” as used herein merely refer to separate portions or regions of the package. It should also be understood that while the following description discusses each of foe various panels and features of the package shown in the accompanying drawing figures, various other configurations are also possible and foe specific package described herein is not intended as limiting.

[0044] The configuration and assembly of foe package 100 will now be discussed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing figures. According to an exemplary embodiment, the material forming foe package 100 is bent along a first line, shown as a first fold line 102, thereby forming a first portion (e.g., front panel, wall, face, side, etc.) shown as a first panel 104, and a second portion, shown as a second panel 106 (e.g., back or rear panel, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the first panel 104 is continuous with foe second panel 106 along the first fold tine 102. The first panel 104 includes a first edge (e.g., border, boundary, etc.), shown as a first edge 108, and the second panel 106 includes a second edge, shown as a second edge 110. The first edge 108 of foe first panel 104 is joined with the second edge 110 of the second panel 106 along the length of the first edge 108. Similarly, foe first panel 104 indudes a third edge, shown as a third edge 112, and foe second panel 106 indudes a fourth edge, shown as a fourth edge 114. The third edge 112 of foe first panel 104 is joined with the fourth edge 114 of the second panel 106 along foe length of foe third edge 112.

[0045] The package 100 is also bent along a second line, shown as a second fold line 116, thereby forming a third portion, shown as a third panel 118, that is separated from foe second panel 106 by the second fold line 116. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second panel 106 is continuous with foe third panel 118 along the second fold line 116, The third parrel 118 indudes a fifth edge, shown as a fifth edge 120, and a sixth edge, shown as a sixth edge 122. The fifth edge 120 of die third panel 118 is joined with the second edge 110 of the second panel 106 along the length of the fifth edge 120. Similarly, the sixth edge 122 of the third panel 118 is joined with the fourth edge 114 of the second pane! 106 along the length of the sixth edge 122.

[0046] The package 100 is also bait along a third line, shown as a third fold line 124, thereby forming a fourth potion, shown as a fourth panel 126, that is separated from the third pane! 118 by the third fold line 124. According to an exemplary embodiment, the third pane! 118 is continuous with the fourth panel 126 along the third fold line 124.

Collectively, the third panel 118 and die fourth panel 126 define a gusseted portion of the package 100.

[0047] The package 100 is also bent along a fourth line, shown as a fourth fold line 128, thereby forming a fifth portion, shown as a fifth panel 130, that is separated from die fourth pane! 126 by the fourth fold line 128. According to an exemplary

embodiment, the fourth panel 126 is continuous with the fifth panel 130 along die fourth fold line 128.

[0048] The fifth pane! 130 includes a ninth edge, shown as a ninth edge 132, and die fourth panel 126 includes a tenth edge, shown as a tenth edge 134. The ninth edge 132 of the fifth panel 130 is joined with the tenth edge 134 of die fourth panel 126 along the length of the tenth edge 134. The ninth edge 132 of the fifth panel 130 is joined with a portion of the second edge 110 of the second panel 106 along a length of the ninth edge 132 of die fifth panel 130 that is not joined with the tenth edge 134.

[0049] Similarly, die fifth panel 130 includes an eleventh edge, shown as an eleventh edge 1%, and die fourth panel 126 indudes a twelfth edge, shown as a twelfth edge 138. The eleventh edge 136 of die fifth pane! 130 is joined with the twelfth edge 138 of the fourth panel 126 along the length of the twelfth edge 138. The eleventh edge 136 of the fifth panel 130 is joined with a portion of the fourth edge 114 of die second panel 106 along a length of the eleventh edge 136 of die fifth panel 130 that is not joined with the twelfth edge 138.

[0050] The package 100 may be selectively expanded to change the position of the third fold line 124 relative to the second fold line 116 and the fourth fold line 128, thereby changing an internal volume of the package 100. For example, as the package 100 is filled with contents, the contents may press against the third panel 118 and the fourth panel 126, thereby expanding a volume of the package 100 by moving the third fold line 124 outward.

[0051] The package 100 is also bent along a fifth line, shown as a fifth fold line 140, thereby forming a sixth portion, shown as a sixth pane! 142, that is separated from die fifth panel 130 by the fifth fold line 140. The package 100 is also bent along a sixth line, shown as a sixth fold line 144, thereby forming a seventh portion, shown as a seventh panel 146, that is separated from the first panel 104 by die sixth fold line 144. As will be explained in more detail herein, the seventh panel 146 includes a base layer having adhesive disposed therein and a covering layer disposed on top of die adhesive such that the covering layer may be removed thereby exposing the adhesive.

[0052] The sixth panel 142 has a shape and size that is identical to a shape and size of the seventh panel 146. For example, the sixth panel 142 and the seventh panel 146 may both be rectangles having a minor (e.g., smallest, etc.) side that is 1.905

centimeters long and a major (e.g., largest, etc.) side that is twenty-three centimeters long. The sixth panel 142 and the seventh pane! 146 may both be rectangles having a minor side that is between 2.2 centimeters and 3.175 centimeters long. The sixth panel 142 is joined with the seventh panel 146 along the entirety of the seventh panel 146 and vice versa. For example, the sixth panel 142 may be joined with the seventh panel 146 using a form fill sealing machine (e.g., a vertical form fill sealing machine or a horizontal form fill sealing machine). In this way, the sixth panel 142 and die seventh panel 146 collectively define a fin (e.g., flap, projection, etc.), shown as a fin seal 148, such that the sixth panel 142 Is opposite tie seventh panel 146. The fin seal 148 functions to selectively provide a mechanism for securing the package 100 in the resealed state.

The fin seal 148 is configured such that the sixth panel 142 and the seventh panel 146 may rotate relative to the first panel 104 when the package 100 is not in the resealed state. The fin seal 148 defines a thirteenth edge, shown as a thirteenth edge 149, which is contiguous with both the sixth panel 142 and the seventh panel 146. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thirteenth edge 149 is generally parallel to the first fold line 102.

100533 The fifth fold line 140 and the sixth fold line 144 are generally positioned across the package 100 such that the fifth fold line 140 and the sixth fold line 144 are parallel to foe first fold line 102. in an exemplary embodiment, foe fifth fold line 140 and the sixth fold line 144 are positioned across the package 100 such that foe fifth fold line 140 and foe sixth fold line 144 are approximately equidistant from foe first fold line 102 and foe fourth fold line 128.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6, foe package 100 (e.g., the first panel 104, the second panel 106, the third panel 118, foe fourth panel 126, the fifth panel 130, foe sixth panel 142, foe seventh panel 146, etc.) is constructed from a first layer (e.g., film, laminate, inner layer, etc.), shown as a first layer 145, and a second layer (e.g., outer layer, etc.), shown as a second layer 147. Hie first layer 145 is joined with foe second layer 147. The first layer 145 of foe sixth panel 142 is joined with foe first layer 145 of th# seventh panel 146. This arrangement of the first layers 145 facilitates extension of the fin seal 148 from foe first panel 104.

[0055] The first layer 145 and the second layer 147 may be constructed from other abuse-resistant materials such as, for example, thermoplastic materials, polyamides, polyesters, and other similar materials. The first layer 145 may also be constructed from a sealable material, such as a heat sealable material, which may include, for example, polyethylenes such as low density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), ionomer, or other similar materials. In an example embodiment, the first layer 145 is constructed from polyethylene (PE) and the second layer 147 is constructed from an oriented polyethylene terephthalate (OPET).

[0056] While the package 100 is described and shown as being constructed from panels having two layers, it is understood that the package 100 may be constructed from three, four, live, or more layers similar to the first layer 145 and the second layer 147 described herein. For example, the first panel 104 may be constructed from three layers and the fifth panel 130 may be constructed from four layers. These additional layers may provide additional features to die package 100, For example, a third layer may be applied on top of the second layer 147 including graphics (e.g., logos, product information, images, etc.) describing contents of the package 100. in other examples, additional layers may include but are not limited to oxygen barrier layers, moisture barrier layers, chemical barrier layers, abuse layers, tie or adhesive layers, bulk layers, odor scavenging layers, or oxygen scavenging layers. In some embodiments, the packages may indude oxygen barrier film and may have an oxygen transmission rate (02TR) value of less than or equal to 10 cm3/100in2/ 24 hours at 1 atmosphere, 23 °C, and 0 % relative humidity.

[0057] The seventh panel 146 indudes a patterned or discontinuous adhesive. As illustrated, the seventh panel 146 indudes a first adhesive region, shown as a first adhesive region 150, affixed to the second layer 147 of the seventh panel 146 proximate the first edge 108 of the first panel 104 and the ninth edge 132 of the fifth panel 130. The seventh panel 146 also indudes a second adhesive region, shown as a second adhesive region 152, affixed to the second layer 147 of the seventh panel 146 proximate the third edge 112 of the first panel 104 and the eleventh edge 136 of the fifth panel 130. The first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 are coupled to the first panel 104 and/or the second panel 106 to maintain the package 100 in the resealed state. The first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 are separated and discontinuous along the seventh panel 146. The first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 may each be applied as single strips or may an arrangement of dots or other discontinuous configurations. As will be described in more detail herein, this separation between the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 creates a remaining area 158 that is not covered by adhesive and which defines a finger hold that may be grasped by a user to unseal and reseal the package 100.

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment, the seventh panel 146 is

symmetrical about orthogonal axes bisecting the seventh panel 146. in this way, the first adhesive region 150 has a shape and size that is identical to a shape and size of the second adhesive region 152. For example, the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 may both be rectangles having a minor side that is 1.27 centimeters long and a major side that is five centimeters long. Similarly, the first adhesive region 150 is spaced from a fourteenth edge, shown as a fourteenth edge 154, a first distance; and the second adhesive region 152 is spaced from a fifteenth edge, shown as a fifteenth edge 156, a second distance equal to the first distance. For example, the first adhesive region 150 may be spaced 1.27 centimeters from foe fourteenth edge 154, and the second adhesive region 152 may be spaced 1 ,27 centimeters from the fifteenth edge 156.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 are pressure sensitive adhesives For example, non-limiting examples of pressure sensitive adhesives indude but are not limited to those

compositions that comprise a base elastomeric resin and a tackifier to enhance the ability of the adhesive to instantly bond and to enhance the bond strength. Examples of elastomers used as the base resin in tackified multicomponent pressure sensitive adhesives indude but are not limited to natural rubber; polybutadiene;

polyorganosiloxanes; styrene-butadiene rubber; carboyxlated styrene-butadiene rubber; poiyisobutylene; butyl rubber; haiogenated butyl rubber; block polymers based on styrene with isoprene, butadiene, ethylene-propylene, or ethylene-butylene; or combinations of such elastomers. (See Yorkgitis,“Adhesive Compounds,"

Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology, Third Edition, 2003, Volume 1, pp. 256-290 (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey).) The first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 may be cold temperature or freeze tolerant pressure sensitive adhesives. For example, the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 may be ROBOND™ PS-7735 adhesive available from Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Ml. The first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 may provide a marginal peak cold seal strength of between 59.06 and 147.64 grams per centimeter or between 228.35 and 240.55 grams per centimeter. The first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 may be pattern applied.

[0060] While the package 100 is shown as including the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152, it is understood that the package 100 may include additional or fewer adhesive regions joined to the second layer 147. For example, the package 100 may oily include the first adhesive region 150 centered on the seventh panel 146 (e.g., relative to the first edge 108 of the first panel 104 and the third edge 112 of the first panel 104, etc.) and may not include the second adhesive region 152. In another example, the package 100 may include a third adhesive in addition to both the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152.

[0061] The seventh panel 146 defines an area, shown as the remaining area 158, along the first layer 145 that is not covered by the first adhesive region 150 or the second adhesive region 152. To form the remaining area 158, the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 may be, for example, printed in a segmented pattern onto the first layer 145 of the seventh panel 146.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the package 100 indudes a cover (e.g., destruct seal, film, etc.), shown as a releasable cover 160, that covers the first adhesive region 150, the second adhesive region 152, and at least a portion of tine remaining area 158. The remaining area 158 is covered (e.g., overlapped, etc.) by the releasable cover 160. When a user desires to reseal the package 100, such as after initially opening the package 100 and removing contents therefrom and subsequently desiring to store the package 100, toe user may remove the releasable cover 160 and then reseal the package 100 using toe first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 as described herein.

[0063] The releasable cover 160 includes a material, shown as a releasable material region 159. The releasable material region 159 is printed oh (e.g., applied to, etc.) the releasable cover 160. While not shown, ink may be printed onto the releasable cover 160 such that toe ink is positioned between the releasable cover 160 and toe releasable material region 159. Hie releasable material region 159 interfaces with the first adhesive region 150, toe second adhesive region 152, toe remaining area 158, and toe releasable cover 160 relative to the seventh panel 146. When toe releasable cover 160 is removed from the seventh panel 146, the releasable material region 159 releases from toe first adhesive region 150, toe second adhesive region 152, and the remaining area 158 such that toe releasable material region 159 is maintained on toe releasable cover 160 and the first adhesive region 150 and toe second adhesive region 152 are maintained on the seventh panel 146. in this way, the releasable material region 159 functions to allow toe releasable cover 160 relative to the seventh panel 146 to be removed. It should be understood that toe releasable material region 159 should cover at least the same area as toe releasable cover 160 in order to remove toe releasable cover 160. Where toe figures may not show this exact depiction of toe releasable material region 159 to toe releasable cover 160, toe figures may show approximations of the releasable material region 159 to toe releasable cover 160 in order to show other elements of the disclosure. It should also be understood that in some embodiments, the releasable material region 159 may not be present if the adhesive region 150, 152, etc. is of such low tack or other adhesive properties to allow the releasable cover 160 to be removed. [0064] The releasable material region 159 covers both the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 such that the releasable material region 159 interfaces with the remaining area 158. The releasable material region 159 may be, for example, patterned (e.g., printed, etc.) deposits of a release lacquer.

[0065] When the releasable cover 160 is removed, the first adhesive region 150, the second adhesive region 152, and file remaining area 158 are exposed. The remaining area 158 may be grasped (e.g., grabbed, manipulated, {Milled, etc.) by a user without the user grasping either the first adhesive region 150 or the second adhesive region 152. In this way, the remaining area 158 functions as a finger hold (e.g., thumb tab, etc.) on the seventh panel 146 that may be grasped by the user without the user grasping the first adhesive region 150 or the second adhesive region 152.

[0066] The releasable cover 160 is joined with the second layer 147 along a first score line (e.g., slit line, cut line, etc ), shown as a first score line 162, that extends from fire fourteenth edge 154 of the seventh panel 146, across the releasable cover 160, to the fifteenth edge 156 of the seventh panel 146. The first score line 162 may be straight, and parallel to the first fold line 102. In an exemplary embodiment, file releasable cover 160 is formed from a portion of the second layer 147 proximate the thirteenth edge 149 that is separated from a remaining portion of the second layer 147 by the first score line 162. The first score line 162 includes indicia (e.g., dots, etc.) and/or perforations (e.g., scores, holes, vents, slits, slots, notches, punctures, orifices, openings, inlets, channels, etc ). The first score line 162 may define a directional tear path along Which the releasable cover 160 may be tom from file seventh panel 146,

[0067] While the releasable cover 160 is shown as a single piece, it is understood that multiple pieces could similarly function as the releasable cover 160 as described herein. For example, a first releasabie cover could be configured to cover Ihe first adhesive region 150 and a portion of the remaining area 158, and a second releasable cover could be configured to cover file second adhesive region 152 and a portion of the remaining area 158. These multiple releasable covers could, for example, be joined together along score lines as described herein.

[0068] The package 100 also includes a second score line, shown as a second score line 164, that extends from the first edge 108 of the first panel 104, across the first panel 104, and to the third edge 112 of the first panel 104. The second score line 164 may indude indida and/or perforations. For example, toe second score line 164 may be a line of perforations along which toe first pane! 104 may be tom. In this example, the second score line 164 defines a directional tear path. In another example, the second score line 164 may be a printed line of dots indicating to a user where to cut the package 100. In yet another example, the package 100 may also indude a tear notch or directional tear properties in toe first panel 104 to fatilitate opening of toe package 100. A region on the first panel 104 above the second score line 164 may include a header or a header seal. The header or header sea! may include a hanger hole, perforation, card, or other device to fadlitate display or other marketing of contents within the package 100.

[0069] The package 100 may also indude a third score line, shown as a third score line 166, that extends from the fourth edge 114 of the second panel 106, across toe second panel 106, and to toe second edge 110 of the second panel 106. The third score line 166 may include indida (e.g., dots, etc.) and/or perforations. For example, the third score line 166 may be a line of perforations along which the second panel 106 may be tom. In this example, toe third score line 166 defines a directional tear path. In another example, the third score line 166 may be a printed line of dots indicating to a user where to cut toe package 100. In yet another example, the package 100 may also indude a tear notch or directional tear properties in the first panel 104 to fadlitate opening of the package 100. A region on the second panel 106 above the third score line 166 may indude a header or a header seal. The header or header seal may indude a hanger hole, perforation, card, or other device to fadlitate display or other hlairketihg of contents within the package 100. [0070] To open the package 100, the second panel 106 Is tom along the second score line 164 and the third score line 166 such an opening (e.g., gap, etc.), shown as an opening 163, is defined therebetween and the package 100 is open as shown in FIG. 7. A user may then remove products from within file package 100. To reseal the package 100, the releasable cover 160 must be removed. To remove the releasable cover 160, the releasable cover 160 is grasped (e.g., through a pull tab, etc.) and tom along the first score line 162.

[0071] When the releasable cover 160 is removed, the first adhesive region 150, the second adhesive region 152, and the remaining area 158 are exposed. The user then folds the first panel 104 and the second panel 106 such that the second pane! 106 is proximate to the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152. For example, the user may told the first panel 104 and the second panel 106 once, such as is shown in FIG.8, or the user may fold the first panel 104 and the second panel 106 several times, such as may occur when the first panel 104 and the second panel 106 are collectively“rolled” towards the fin seal 148, as is shown in FIG.9. To fold the first panel 104 and the second panel 106, the remaining area 158 may be grasped (e.g., grabbed, manipulated, pulled, etc.) by a user without the user grasping either the first adhesive region 150 or file second adhesive region 152. In some applications, file remaining area 158 is configured such that a finger (e.g., thumb, etc.) tab is formed on the seventh panel 146 that may be grasped by the user without the user grasping file first adhesive region 150 or the second adhesive region 152. The user then adheres (e.g., attaches, etc.) the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 to the second panel 106. For example, the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 may be pressed onto the second panel 106.

[0072] FIG. 10 illustrates a process 1000 (e.g., procedure, etc.) for opening and resealing the package 100. The process 1000 begins with the package 100 in the initial state. For example, the process 1000 may begin with a user pulling file package 100 from a freezer and placing file package 100 on a countertop. The user then, in block 1004, opens the package 100 by either cutting approximate to the top of the package or by tearing along a score line such as the second score line 164 and the third score line 166, thereby forming an opening between the first panel 104 and the second panel 106, and causing the package 100 to be in the open state.

[0073] The user then, in block 1008, may remove contents from the package 100.

For example, the user may remove frozen foods from within the package 100. The user then, in block 1010, removes the releasable cover 160 from the tin seal 148 (e.g., by tearing the releasable cover 160 from the second layer 147 along the first score line 162, etc.), thereby exposing the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152. Then the user, in block 1012, folds the first panel 104 and the second panel 106 towards the fin seal 148, such that die first panel 104 is folded on (e.g., against, etc.) itself. The user then, in block 1014, presses the tin seal 148 onto the second panel 106 such that the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 are adhered to the second panel 106, and causing the package 100 to be in the resealed state.

[0074] In one example, once the package 100 is in the reseated state, the package 100 may be stored in a freezer until it is desired to remove contents from the package 100 again. The contact between the first adhesive region 150 and the second panel 106 and between the second adhesive region 152 and the second panel 106 is configured to maintain the package 100 in the rsaeaied state for an extended period of time (e g., days, months, years, etc.), if a user desires to remove contents from tee package 100, tee process 1000 includes, in block 1018, detaching the fin seal 148 from the second panel 106, such teat the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 are not adhered to tee second panel 106. For example, the user may grasp the remaining area 158 on tee fin seal 148 and the second panel 106 and pull the remaining area 158 relative to the second panel 106. Then tee user, in block 1020, unfolds the first panel 104 and the second panel 106, such that the first pane! 104 and the second panel 106 are folded away from tee fin seal 148. The package 1001s teen in tiie open state and contents may be removed therefrom, in block 1008. To reseat the package 100, biocks 1012 and 1014 are repeated.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 11-13, a resealable package, shown as a package 1100 having a pillow-type configuration, is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The package 1100 is similar to the package 100 described herein. For example, the package 100 may be opened and resealed through a process that is similar to the process 1000 for opening and reseating the package 100. The package 1100 is configured such that the releasable cover 160 and the remaining area 158 extend from the seventh panel 146 over a portion, shown as an overlapping portion 1102, of the first panel 104. The first score line 162 separates the second layer 147 of the first panel 104 from tiie releasable cover 160.

[0076] The overlapping portion 1102 includes an adhesive, shown as an adhesive region 1104 and the releasable cover 160 includes an adhesive, shown as a releasable material region 1105. While not shown, ink may be printed onto the releasable cover 160 such that the ink is positioned between the releasable cover 160 and the releasable material region 1105. The adhesive region 1104 operates as the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 previously described, and the releasable material region 1105 operates as the releasable material region 159 previously described. In tilts way, the adhesive region 1104 is utilized in place of tiie first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152, and the releasable material region 1105 and tiie releasable cover 160 are configured to cover tiie adhesive region 1104.

In various embodiments, the adhesive region 1104 extends from tiie overlapping portion 1102, across the sixth fold line 144, and onto the seventh panel 146. In these embodiments, the releasable material region 1105 and the releasable cover 160 are configured to cover a portion of the overlapping portion 1102 and a portion of tiie seventh pane! 146. The releasable material region 1105 extends across the releasable cover 160. To reseal the package 100 in these embodiments, one of tiie first panel 104 and the second panel 106 is brought into contact with, and sealed to, tiie adhesive region 1104 on the overlapping region 1102, and one of the first pane! 104 and the second panei 106 is brought Into contact with, and sealed to, file adhesive region 1104 on the seventh panel 146. In other embodiments, the adhesive region 1104 is contained within the overlapping portion 1102. For example, the adhesive region 1104 may be bordered by the sixth fold line 144. In these embodiments, the releasable material region 1105 and the releasable cover 160 may only cover the overlapping portion 1102.

[0077] While the adhesive region 1104 is shown as a single adhesive region in FIGS. 11-13, it is understood that the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152 may replace tile adhesive region 1104, or that additional adhesive regions may be implemented. Similarly, while the releasable material region 1105 is shown as a single adhesive region in FIGS. 11-13, it is understood that the multiple releasable material regions may replace the releasable material region 1105.

[0078] The adhesive region 1104 is generally rectangular and defines an edge, shown as an edge 1106. The edge 1106 partially defines a portion, shown as a grasping surface 1108, of fire remaining area 158 that is not covered by file adhesive region 1104. The releasable cover 160 is configured to extend over the grasping surface 1108. The releasable material region 1105 may be configured such that the releasable cover 160 is coupled to the grasping surface 1108. The grasping surface 1108 is shown generally triangular in shape. However, the grasping surface 1108 may be implemented in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations depending on a target application of the package 1100.

[0079] According to an exemplary embodiment, the releasable material region 1105 indudes a portion, shown as a pull tab 1110, The pul! tab 1110 covers the grasping surface 1108. In this way, the pull tab 1110 may be grasped by a user to separate the releasable cover 160 from the adhesive region 1104 and the releasable materia! region 1105. In this embodiment, the puli tab 1110 can be defined by a border 1109 within the leasable material region 1105 thus forming a triangularly shaped pull tab 1110. The bolder 1109 corresponds to the edge 1106 thus forming the puli tab 1110 that corresponds to the triangularly shaped grasping surface 1108. While not shown with respect to the embodiment of the package 100 as shown and described in FIGS. 1-10, it is understood that the releasable cover 160 may include a pull tab similar to the pull tab 1110.

[0080] The package 1100 also differs from package 100 in that the package 1100 does hot include the third panel 118 or the fourth pane! 126. Accordingly, the second panel 106 is contiguous with Ore fifth panel 130 along a seventh line, shown as a seventh fold line 1112.

[0081] The package 1 i 00, Tike the package 100, may be assembled (e.g., formed, etc.) in a variety of different processes, such as for example, horizontal-form-fill-seal or vertical fonm-fill-seal. Fee 1 example, a process for assembling a package 1100 may start with segmenting a rectangular or square section from a continuous film (e g., laminate, two-layer film, a film constructed from the first layer 145 and the second layer 147, etc.) by sealing the continuous film together along a line, thereby defining an edge of the section. The section of the film is then formed around a form-fill-seal forming section, as is known in the art, such that opposing edges of tee film are brought together. These opposing edges are sealed together (e.g., thereby defining the thirteenth edge 149, etc.) such that a sealing mechanism (e.g., the fin seal 148, etc.) is located cm an external surface of the film. By sealing the edges together, the film forms a cylinder. Product can be loaded into tee cylinder and tee remaining end of tee cylinder is teen sealed such that the package is sealed (e.g., the first edge 108 is sealed to the second edge 110, tee ninth edge 132 is sealed to tee second edge 110, tee third edge 112 is sealed to the fourth edge 114, tee eleventh edge 136 is sealed to the fourth edge 114, etc.), in this way, an internal volume (e.g., product cavity, etc.) is enclosed by tee film. [0082] The sealing mechanism includes a second film by virtue of the opposing edges being sealed together. The second film includes an inner layer (e.g., the first layer 145, etc.), a patterned adhesive layer (e.g., a layer including the first adhesive region 150 and the second adhesive region 152, etc.), a releasable layer (e.g., a layer including the releasable material region 159, etc.), and an outer layer (e.g., the second layer 147, etc.). This second film includes a removable portion (e.g., the releasable cover 160, etc.) at a location proximate an external surface of the package 1100. The removable portion has a boundary proximate a score line (e.g., the first score line 162, etc.), and the removable portion is adapted to be removed to expose the patterned adhesive layer.

[0083] Hie package 1100 is assembled such that an opening feature (e.g. , the grasping surface 1108, etc.) is formed along an edge of the sealing mechanism. The sealing mechanism may be, for example, a lap seal, a fin seal, a butt-tape seal, or a seal skip. Hie package 1100 is adapted to be recfosed by folding over a top portion (e.g., the first panel 104, the second panel 106, etc.) of file package 1100 and adhering the top portion of the package 1100 to the exposed adhesive of the sealing mechanism after removal of the removable portion.

[0084] The section may be constructed from multiple layers (e.g., the first layer 145, the second layer 147, etc.) and the score line may be located in an outer layer (e.g,, the second layer 147, etc.) of the section. The score line may be located in the sealing mechanism. The section and the second film may be constructed from file same film (e.g., a two-layer film that includes the first layer 145 and the second layer 147, etc.). The sealing mechanism may be located equidistant from a top edge (e.g„ the first fold line 102, etc.) and a bottom edge (e.g., the seventh fold line 1112, etc.) of the package 1100. The sealing mechanism may be substantially parallel to the top edge and file bottom edge of the package 1100. [0085] One boundary (e.g., thirteenth edge 149, etc.) of the sealing mechanism may not include a score line; that is, the exposed edge, the thirteenth edge 149. The package 1100 may include indicia along the top edge that instructs a user as to where to open the package 1100. The opening feature may include a score line through at least a portion of the section (e.g., the first panel 104, the second panel 106, the fifth panel 130, etc.). The patterned adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The removable portion may be limited to (e.g., contained on, etc.) the sealing mechanism. The package 1100 may indude a gusset along the bottom edge.

[0086] FIG. 14-17 illustrates an exemplary process 1400 for assembling the package 1100 as shown and described in FIGS. 11-13. The process 1400 includes, in block 1402, forming a sheet of the first layer 145. The process 1400 also indudes, in block 1404, forming a sheet of the second layer 147 induding the releasable cove» * 160. A roil of the sheet of the second layer 147 indudes multiple of the releasable covers 160 interspaced along the roll. That is, the second layer 147 may indude the first score line 162. Accordingly, the roll of the second layer 147 may indude multiples of the first score line 162 interspaced along the roll.

[0087] The process 1400 also indudes, in block 1406, applying the releasable material region 1105 and the adhesive region 1104 to the sheet of the second layer 147. For example, the adhesive region 1104 may be printed onto the second layer 147. The process 1400 further indudes, in bock 1408, joining the sheet of the first layer 145 to the sheet of the second layer 147, from which a blank, shown as a blank 1500, can be formed into the package 1100. It should be understood that the discussion of a single blank 1500 is for illustrative purposes and that a roll of several blanks 1500 would be converted in an actual manufaduring form-fill-seal process to form the package 100, 1100.

[0088] The process further indudes, in block 1410, forming the first score line 162 in the second layer 147. it should be understood that the first score line 162 can be formed in the second layer at various times in the process, such as for example, between blocks 1404 and 1406, or as shown and described in block 1410. The process 1400 continues with, in block 1412, forming the second score line 164 and the third score line 166 in the blank 1500. it is understood that in some implementations, the block 1412 may be performed before, or simultaneously with, the block 1410. The process 1400 also indudes, in block 1414, bending (e.g., deforming, shaping, etc.) the blank 1500 along folds lines. For example, the blank 1500 may be bent along the first fold line 102, the filth fold line 140, the sixth fold line 144, and the seventh fold line 1112. The blank 1500 may be folded using, for example, a form-fill-seal process.

[0089] The process 1400 further indudes, in block 1416, joining opposite portions (e.g., panels, walls, etc.) of the dank 1500. In an exemplary embodiment, the sixth panel 142 is joined with the seventh panel 146 in block 1416. For example, the sixth panel 142 and the seventh panel 146 may be held between a hot press (heat bar, sealing bar, etc.) that fuses the sixth panel 142 to the seventh panel 146. The process 1400 further indudes, in block 1418, joining the edges of the blank 1500 along one side of the blank 1500 to form a blank, shown as a tillable blank 1700. In an exemplary embodiment, the third edge 112 and the eleventh edge 136 are joined with the fourth edge 114. For example, the third edge 112, the eleventh edge 136, and the fourth edge 114 may be held between a hot press that fuses the third edge 112 and the eleventh edge 136 to the fourth edge 114. in various embodiments, each of the blanks 1500 and the tillable blanks 1700 is rectangular and has a major side with a first length and a minor side with a second length that is less than the first length. In some embodiments, the first length is equal to 24.13 centimeters and the second length is equal to 22.86 centimeters.

[0090] The process 1400 also includes, In block 1420, inserting (e.g., injecting, placing, etc.) contents into the tillable blank 1700 through an opening, shown as an opening 1702. The opening 1702 may be between the first edge 108 and the second edge 110 and between the ninth edge 132 and the second edge 110. The process 1400 further includes, in block 1422, joining the edges of the tillable blank 1700 along the opening 1702, thereby forming the package 1100 being filled with contents and in an initial state, in an exemplary embodiment, the first edge 108 and the ninth edge 132 are joined with the second edge 110. For example, the first edge 108, the ninth edge 132, and the second edge 110 may be held between a hot press that fuses the first edge 108 and the ninth edge 132 to the second edge 110.

[0091] Before the blanks 1500 are formed into tillable blanks 1700 and filled with contents, the blanks 1500 are in a continuously roiled sheet of the blanks 1500 for shipping to a customer: Neither the package 100 nor the package 1100 indude zippers of any kind. Accordingly, file blanks 1500 may be thinner than current blanks that indude zippers. Each of the blanks 1500 in the roil may be joined to at least one adjacent blank 1500. The roil of the blanks 1500 may be inserted in a machine that unrolls the roll of continuous blanks 1500, forms the blanks 1500 into tillable blanks 1700, and tills each of the tillable blanks 1700 with contents. Alternatively, the blanks 1500 can be premade into tillable blanks 1700, either as individual tillable blanks 1700 as a continuous roll of tillable blanks 1700, before shipping to a customer. For the example of a continuous roll of tillable blanks 1700, each tillable dank 1700 may be joined to at least one adjacent tillable blank 1700 via a score line (e.g., a line of perforations, etc.) where each tillable blank 1700 is separated from the continuous roil of premade blanks in tee form-fill-seal process.

[0092] It is understood that a process similar to the process 1400 as described herein may be implemented for assembling the package 100 as shown and described in FIGS. 1-10. In one example, the first edge 108 of the first panel 104 is not joined with the second edge 110 of the second panel 106 when the package 100 is assembled, and contents may be inserted into the package 100 through a gap between the first edge 108 of the first panel 104 and the second edge 110 of the second panel 106, and 1hen the first edge 108 of the first panel 104 is joined with the second edge 110 of the second panel 106. [0093] In smother example, the third edge 112 of the first panel 104 is not joined with the fourth edge 114 of the second panel 106 when the package 100 is assembled, and contents may be inserted into the package 100 through a gap between the third edge 112 of the first panel 104 and file fourth edge 114 of file second panel 106, and then the third edge 112 of the first panel 104 is joined with the fourth edge 114 of the second panel 106.

[0094] In yet another example, the first edge 108 of file first panel 104 is not joined with the second edge 110 of the second panel 106, the ninth edge 132 of the fifth panel 130 is not joined with the tenth edge 134 of the fourth panel 126, and the fifth edge 120 of the third panel 118 is not joined with the second edge 110 of the second panel 106 when the package 100 is assembled. Contents may then be inserted into the package 100 through, for example, a gap between the first edge 108 of file first panel 104 and the second edge 110 of the second panel 106. Then the first edge 108 of the first panel 104 is joined with file second edge 110 of the second panel 106, the ninth edge 132 of the fifth panel 130 is joined with the tenth edge 134 of the fourth panel 126, and the fifth edge 120 of the third panel 118 is joined with the second edge 110 of the second panel 106.

[0096] In yet another example, the third edge 112 of the first panel 104 is not joined with the fourth edge 114 of the second panel 106, the eleventh edge 136 of the fifth panel 130 is not joined with the twelfth edge 138 of file fourth panel 126, and the sixth edge 122 of file third panel 118 is not joined with the fourth edge 114 of file second panel 106 when the package 100 is assembled. Contents may then be inserted into file package 100 through, for example, a gap between the third edge 112 of the first panel 104 and fire fourth edge 114 of the second panel 106. Thai file third edge 112 of the first panel 104 is joined with the fourth edge 114 of the second panel 106, file eleventh edge 136 of file fifth panel 130 is joined with file twelfth edge 138 of file fourth panel 126, and the sixth edge 122 of the third panel 118 is joined with file fourth edge 114 of the second panel 106. [0096] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, a resealable package, shown as a package 1800, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The package 1800 is similar to the package 100 and the package 1100 described herein. For example, the package 1800 may be opened and reseated through a process that is similar to the process 1000 for opening and resealing the package 100 and the package 1800 may be assembled through a process that is similar to the process 1400 for assembling toe package 1100.

[0097] When compared with the package 100 and toe package 1100, the fin seal 148 is replaced with a seal, shown as a lap seal 1802, in the package 1800. The lap seal 1802 includes an adhesive, shown as an adhesive region 1804, that is adhered to toe second layer 147 of toe first panel 104 and is covered by toe releasable cover 160, which includes a releasable material, shown as a releasable material region 1805. The adhesive region 1804 operates as the first adhesive region 150 and toe second adhesive region 152 previously described, and toe releasable material region 1805 operates as toe releasable material region 159 previously described.

[0098] The lap seal 1802 differs from the fin seal 148 in that toe first layer 145 of file first panel 104 is not joined with the first layer 145 of file fifth panel 130. Instead, the first layer 145 of toe first panel 104 is joined with toe second layer 147 of the fifth panel 130, thereby causing a portion of the first panel 104, shown as an overlapping portion 1806, to overlap the fifth panel 130. As shown in FIG. 19, the lap seal 1802 is configured such that the adhesive region 1804, the releasable material region 1805, and toe releasable cover 160 are positioned over the fifth panel 130. Additionally, toe lap seal 1802 does not include fold lines, such as the fifto fold line 140 and the sixth fold line 144 in the fin seat 148.

[0099] While not shown, it is understood that the lap seal 1802 could be configured such that toe first layer 145 of toe fifto panel 130 is joined with the second layer 147 of the first panel 104, thereby causing a portion of toe fifto panel 130 to overlap toe first panel 104. In these embodiments, the adhesive region 1804 is adhered to the first layer 145 of the fifth panel 130 and is covered by the second layer 147 of the fifth panel 130.

[0100] As utilized herein, the term“polyethylene” or“PE" refers (unless indicated otherwise) to ethylene homopoiymers or copolymers. Such copolymers of ethylene indude copolymers of ethylene with at least one alpha-olefin and copolymans of ethylene with other units or groups such as vinyl acetate, add groups, acrylate groups, or otherwise. The term "polyethylene” or“PE" is used without regard to toe presence or absence of substituent branch groups. PE includes, for example, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene add copolymers, ethylene acrylate copolymers, or blends of such. Various PE’s may be recyded as reclaimed PE.

[0101] As utilized herein, toe terms“approximately,"“parallel,"“substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning to harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disdosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in toe art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and daimed without restricting the scope of these features to the predse numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and daimed are considered to be within toe scope of toe invention as redted to the appended claims. It is understood that toe term“parallel" is intended to encompass de minimus variations as would be understood to be within toe scope of toe disdosure by those of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, it is understood that the term “prevent" is intended to encompass de minimus circumvention as would be understood to be within toe scope of toe disclosure by those of ordinary skill in toe art. As utilized herein, the term“adjacent” refers to being near, dose, contiguous, adjoining, or neighboring in proximity, thereby induding, but not limited to, being reasonably close to or in the vicinity of as well as touching, having a common boundary, or having direct contact.

[0102] Additionally, the word“exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as“exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word

“exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0103] The terms“joined/“coupled,”“fused, " and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0104] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g.,“top, "“bottom,”“above,”

“below," etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the Figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments and that such variations are intended to be

encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0105] The construction and arrangement of the elements of the package 100, the package 1100, foe package 1800, and all other elements and assemblies as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

[0106] Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element (e.g., the adhesive region 1104, the pull tab 1110, the fin seal 148, the lap seal 1802, etc.) disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-pius-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.